Scottish League One 2019-20 preview: Club-by-club guide to new season

Arbroath's players and staff enjoy their 2018-19 League One title triumph (Image: SNS Group)

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Airdrie have moved to a hybrid system of both full and part-time players with gaffer Murray getting much of his business done ahead of the start of pre-season. That extra time could help Diamonds avoid disappointing start which has been a feature of a number of their campaigns. This is their seventh season in third tier and fans are desperate for success so coping with expectation levels will be important.

Prediction: 2nd

CLYDE

Ground: Broadwood Stadium

Manager: Danny Lennon

Last season: 2nd (League Two)

Key man: David Goodwillie

Title odds: 12/1

Ended almost a decade in the bottom tier by winning League One play-off final. Boss Lennon and sidekick Allan Moore have revived the Bully Wee who arrive with many of last season's top performers still on the payroll. Chris McStay and Raymond Grant are a terrific central midfield partnership with Chris Johnston joining after great season at Annan. Goodwillie guarantees goals. Comfortable mid-table with potential for more.

Prediction: 6th

DUMBARTON

Ground: C&G Systems Stadium

Manager: Jim Duffy

Last season: 6th

Key man: Joe McKee

Title odds: 20/1

It has been a challenging summer for the Sons from the Rock with their squad only just coming together ahead of the start of the Betfred Cup. A lot of experience and quality has headed out the exit door and new-look side faces a stern examination at this level. Joe McKee and Stefan McCluskey could provide spark going forward but big question marks defensively and just staying up will be a huge achievement.

Prediction: 10th

East Fife manager Darren Young (Image: SNS Group)

EAST FIFE

Ground: Locality Hub Bayview Stadium

Manager: Darren Young

Last season: 7th

Key man: Scott Agnew

Title odds: 25/1

Excellent season fell apart in the final quarter which cost the Methil men a Championship play-off place and while there have been some key departures, boss Young brings back striker Ryan Wallace from Arbroath and Chris Duggan from Raith Rovers. Chris Higgins provides experience at the back and Danny Denholm was part of Arbroath's title success in May. Should be pushing for top four.

Prediction: 5th

FALKIRK

Ground: Falkirk Stadium

Manager: Ray McKinnon

Last season: 10th (Championship)

Key man: Charlie Telfer

Title odds: 4/7

There are no words to describe what happened to Falkirk last season as they dropped into the third tier for the first time in almost 40 years. But this season's squad reads like a cast list of experienced players who have enjoyed success elsewhere. Declan McManus and Conor Sammon lead the line with Charlie Telfer a creative gem in midfield. Defence oozes strength and, put simply, the Bairns not winning the title is unthinkable.

The Loons return to the coalface after last season's second-placed finish but more than 20 goals have been removed with player/assistant John Baird and Dylan Easton moving on. Thomas Reilly is another miss but Dale Hilson is proven at this level as is hitman Andy Jackson who joins from Brechin City. Boss Weir has also recruited Ross Forbes' wand of a left foot and another top-four tilt isn't out of the question.

Prediction: 3rd

Montrose forced their way into the Championship play-offs last season (Image: SNS Group)

MONTROSE

Ground: Links Park

Manager: Stewart Petrie

Last season: 4th

Key man: Terry Masson

Title odds: 25/1

From almost going out of the football league a few years ago to reaching the Championship play-offs, it has been quite a journey for the rejuvenated Gable Endies. Much of the credit goes to gaffer Petrie and keeping hold of him is vital. Not much business has been done with club sticking with squad but Cameron Ballantyne (Dumbarton) and Kerr Waddell (Dundee) bolster defence. Should be safe enough even if they don't hit recent heights.

Prediction: 7th

PETERHEAD

Ground: Balmoor Stadium

Manager: Jim McInally

Last season: 1st (League Two)

Key man: Rory McAllister

Title odds: 16/1

They were made to sweat a bit, however, Peterhead eventually clinched the League Two title on the final day of last season and return to the third tier for the first time after two-year absence. Continuity has been retained by McInally, the longest-serving manager in the SPFL, and while the goal king McAllister gets the headlines, look out for midfielder Jack Leitch making an impact. Expected to consolidate.

Prediction: 8th

Will Raith Rovers bring Championship football back to Stark's Park? (Image: SNS Group)

RAITH ROVERS

Ground: Stark's Park

Manager: John McGlynn

Last season: 3rd

Key man: Regan Hendry

Title odds: 11/2

The Fifers are stuck in a rut as they begin third season in third tier and have adopted a hybrid system of full and part-time players this time, moving away from a full-time set-up. Raith were top scorers last season but Kevin Nisbet and Liam Buchanan, who had 41 league strikes between them, have moved to the Championship. There have been plenty of changes but title push is too big an ask. Top four should be considered the main aim.

Prediction: 4th

STRANRAER

Ground: Stair Park

Manager: Stevie Farrell

Last season: 8th

Key man: Cameron Elliott

Title odds: 25/1

The Blues did well to retain their League One status as they found themselves in trouble going into the final couple of months of the season. Boss Farrell is getting the band back together with Scott Robertson, Grant Gallagher and Ryan Thomson returning to the shores of Loch Ryan while three arrive from Stirling Albion but Kyle Turner is a loss, as is Innes Cameron who scored 10 goals during loan spell from Kilmarnock. Will be a fight for survival.